Antonio Reeves missed 14 shots Sunday but UK rebounded seven of the misses. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Sean Vinsel of HoopsInsights.com analyzes Kentucky basketball from a statistical standpoint that eliminates emotion most fans cannot when evaluating their favorite team.
Vinsel was a bit surprised that Kentucky coach John Calipari basically blamed 4-for-20 shooting from 3-point range, including 1-for-10 from Antonio Reeves, as the biggest reason for Sunday’s 75-69 loss to Kansas State in the NCAA Tournament.
“His comments create a narrative that Kentucky is powerless to overcome bad shooting simply because it’s a cosmic fact that everyone is powerless against that …but it’s not true,” Vinsel posted in his newsletter.
“Again, Kansas State shot just as poorly on jump shots as UK did.”
Kentucky was 4-for-20 on 3’s but Kansas State was only 5-for-21 despite hitting two late 3-pointers that helped seal the win.
Vinsel pointed that that Arkansas went 3-for-15 from 3 and beat No. 1 seed Kansas and Michigan State was only 2-for-16 when it beat No. 2 seed Marquette. Texas had a 1-for-14 game from 3-point range and won in NCAA play.
“Those teams overcame these shooting performances by doing other stuff well. Consistently, Calipari’s postgame comments, especially after losses, would lead an observer to believe that Kentucky is doomed to lose by missed shots, when in fact Kentucky should be able to overcome missed shots better than any other team,” Vinsel said.
He noted that on seven of Reeves’ missed 3-point tries, Kentucky got the rebound but failed to capitalize often on those chances.
With the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class on the way and several backup players potentially returning for next season, Kentucky fans are hoping for a big bounce back season.
“The Wildcats need to figure out their philosophy of how they establish advantages, and really lean into that. The last two years have made it pretty clear that it’s can’t be just rebounding to the detriment of everything else. If it’s going to be rebounding, don’t complain about missing shots,” Vinsel wrote.
“Treat those as opportunities to rebound more. Make it your mantra that teams have to outshoot you by a considerable amount to win because your team won’t stop until they get the ball in the basket. If one player misses shots, the other four need to be there to cover for him.
“Give players the freedom to know that if they miss, they won’t be the first item the coach mentions in his postgame presser.”
4 Responses
Interesting. But if I am not mistaken, at least 3 of those 3 pointers for KSU came in the last 3-4 minutes of the game. The timing of the missed shots certainly makes a difference.
That’s only true if the game is close and you keep missing. Up until that point, UK had made enough baskets to keep it close. If UK had converted more on second chance rebounds, what K State did at the end wouldn’t matter.
UK’s problem is they were a terrible shooting team, whether first, second, or third chances.
This team did not play with focus and desire each and every game. Several players throughout the year admitted this.
Lack of focus, desire, or effort should get you bench time. If you don’t like it, do better.
Last time going to point out. Why??? did Cal not develop Collins and Owenyso all year. I’ve complained all year about this.. They can fill up the paint with thier blocking ability as well as reebies and yes scoring. The oposing teams had a field day all year scoring in the paint as Oscar on pick n rolls was out on the 3 point line leaving his biggie and the paint wide open.
I can’t beieve playIng them every game ust a little, would have stopped at least 6 points a gsae as well as ,many reebies for 2 nd chance points making more wins for Cats
Now the irony. Big story today on BR is how great Owensyo is gling to be next year showing his huge prowess against Howard, he and Collins should have made History this season/
I rest my case.
CAL SCREWED UP PERIOD
I saw that. If Onyenso is going to be great next year, what kept him from being serviceable this year? Don’t give me that weight crap. He can play off his man 3 feet and still block his shot. Remember Robert Horry??? One of the best and nothing but a string bean.